High Protein Shelf Stable Expanded Snacks: Based on Arthropods and Local Carbohydrate Sources

This project will establish if a food supply chain can be developed so that locally sourced starchy materials and insects could be supplied from within rural Nigeria for the creation of an innovative new food product. Tests have shown that this new food product can be made from unrefined proteins and starch to create a light crispy type product that has a protein content of more than 40%. The manufacturing steps for the product are not complicated and have low environmental costs and, as part of the study, the feasibility of undertaking manufacturing within the community will be checked. Prototype products will be used in consumer testing within Nigeria to see if these are acceptable to urban and rural communities. If products are liked and their nutritional and cost demonstrated as beneficial then the use of these product will help achieve the Innovate UK Challenge goal of contributing to healthy, safe and nutritious diets.